Halloween is right around the corner and this Pepperoni Pizza Dip with Breadsticks is the perfect appetizer for the occasion. It's cheesy, creamy, and topped with zesty pepperoni slices to make for the best dip for some tasty breadsticks.
Halloween is definitely going to be looking a bit different this year. I'm still not even 100% sure what our plans are for our celebrations. Whether the kids go trick or treating this year is still up in the air, but regardless, we will still have a fun night. We ALWAYS make chili on Halloween night, just like my mom did when we were kids. I also like to make a few fun appetizers that we can all pick at throughout the evening.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Y'all know I'm a sucker for an easy appetizer and this dip is just that. Plus, is has THREE kinds of cheese in it. Here is what you need and how to make it happen:
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese
- Ricotta Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Pepperoni Slices
- Marinara Sauce
- Italian Seasoning
- Garlic Powder
- Salt & Pepper
Directions
- First, mix the cheeses and seasonings and put into a shallow dish or pie plate. (I like the pie plate because then it looks like a pizza!)
- Then, top cheese mixture with marinara, more cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes until melted and bubbly (just like a pizza), then serve with your favorite breadsticks.
Baked Pepperoni Pizza Dip with Ricotta Cheese
This hot baked pepperoni pizza dip is the best appetizer! Made with ricotta cheese, cream cheese and mozzarella cheese, this easy layered dip is perfect for game day, a holiday party or family get together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 ounce brick cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 Tablespoon italian seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 ounces pepperoni, sliced
- breadsticks, garlic knots or toasted baguette slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375° and grease a shallow baking dish or pie plate with baking spray or butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese and mix together.
- Add in italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper and stir everything together so the seasonings and cheese are well incorporated.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly into the prepared dish and top with the marinara sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and top with pepperoni slices.
- Bake the pizza dip in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the dip is bubbly.
- Serve dip with breadsticks, toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Notes
This recipe yields approximately 3 cups of dip or 8-10 servings
- Use full fat versions of all of the cheeses to make sure the dip stays melty and not too watery.
- Bring the cream cheese to room temperature or make sure it is at least softened. This will help it to easily mix with the other cheeses. If you forget, you can use a hand mixer to easily blend everything together.
- Don't forget to split the mozzarella cheese. Half of it gets mixed with the other cheeses and spices and the other half get sprinkled on top.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian - Omit the pepperoni for a cheesy vegetarian pizza dip.
- White Pizza - Replace the marinara with alfredo sauce for a white pizza dip.
- Toppings - Top this pizza dip with your favorite pizza toppings, such as sausage and olives, ham and pineapple or veggies!
- Cheese - Need even more cheese? Try adding smoked provolone, parmesan cheese, or cheddar cheese to the cheese filling or on top!
- Sauce - I typically have a batch or two of my old school italian gravy in the freezer for recipes like this. Store bought marinara or pizza sauce can also be used.
Make Ahead Instructions
The dip can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead of time. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until 30 minutes before baking time. Remove from the refrigerator and allow to sit out a room temperature while the oven preheats and then bake as directed. If the dip is still cold, cooking temperatures may be a bit longer.
Storage Suggestions
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days. The dip can be reheated in the oven or microwave until melty.
Keywords: baked pizza dip, pepperoni pizza dip, pizza dip with ricotta cheese, hot pizza dip
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Happy Cooking!
YtheWait says
Love Pizza!!!!!!!!!
Amanda | Saporito Kitchen says
Sooooo goood 🙂